UPDATE: DCI Investigates Des Moines County Officer-Involved Shooting

DES MOINES COUNTY, Iowa – The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has released new details regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier this month in rural Des Moines County.

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at approximately 9:04 p.m., the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance call.

When a deputy arrived at the residence, he made contact with 46-year-old David Maupin.

According to preliminary findings, during the course of a verbal exchange, Maupin became uncooperative and produced a firearm. The deputy discharged his weapon, striking Maupin. Despite receiving emergency medical treatment at the scene, Maupin died from his injuries. The deputy was not injured.

In accordance with department policy, the deputy has been placed on paid critical incident leave while the investigation proceeds.

The DCI is leading the investigation, and once complete, the case will be forwarded to the Office of the Iowa Attorney General for review.

A previous press release regarding the incident can be found here

Southeast Iowa Fishing Report: Warmer Waters Shifting Fish Patterns 8.22.25

Southeast Iowa’s lakes and rivers remain warm as late summer heat holds on, with water temperatures in the low to mid-80s. Anglers are finding fish moving between deeper waters and nearby shallows as feeding activity begins to increase ahead of fall.

Big Hollow Lake
Fish are holding in deeper water, but activity is picking up.

  • Black Crappie – Fair: Look for crappies in 7–8 feet of water in flooded timber. Vertically jigging in trees or drift trolling along the outer edge of cover has been productive.

  • Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are still in their summer pattern, about 6 feet down in flooded timber.

  • Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are becoming more active. While still near deeper water, they are beginning to feed in slightly shallower areas.

Cedar River (Moscow to Columbus Junction)
The river is running about two feet below bank full, offering better access for fishing.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
Levels are a foot or so below bank full, keeping conditions relatively stable.

Lake Geode
The lake remains green in color, but clarity is slowly improving to around 1.5 feet.

  • Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are around artificial habitat in 8–10 feet of water, suspended just above the bottom.

  • Bluegill – Fair: Most bluegills are holding in 8–10 feet along steeper banks.

  • Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass action is improving as more fish venture into shallower water. Crankbaits in 5–6 feet along drop-offs are working well.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
River levels have fallen several feet since last week, but the water is still well over half bank full. Anglers are urged to use caution, as muddy water can hide new snags brought in by recent high water.

For more information on these lakes and rivers, contact the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.

North Lee Community Foundation & Keokuk Area Community Foundation Announce Transformational Gift to Benefit Local Communities


The North Lee Community Foundation (NLCF) and the Keokuk Area Community Foundation (KACF) are honored to announce the receipt of a significant estate gift from the Sandrock Trust, established by longtime community supporters Dr. Austin Sandrock and Carole Wallis – Sandrock. The Sandrock’s had previously created permanent endowment funds with the Foundations and were generous supporters throughout their lifetimes. They also championed local causes such as the Fort Madison Public Library and the Fort Madison Community Schools. The couple cared deeply about their hometown and Lee County, and their legacy will continue to strengthen the region for generations to come.

This extraordinary act of generosity will allow the Foundations to substantially expand their annual grantmaking and scholarship awards. Beginning in 2026, the gift will directly increase funding for The North Lee Community Foundation Grant Fund and The Lofton-Eichacker Grant Fund of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, providing an additional $400,000 annually to nonprofit organizations and schools throughout the greater Tri-State area. This increase will bring the total annual grant funding from both Foundations to approximately $700,000–$800,000.

The impact of this gift will be felt for generations to come,” said Executive Director Roger Ricketts. “It strengthens our ability to help nonprofit organizations dream bigger, reach farther, and make a lasting difference in our communities.”

In the coming weeks, nonprofit organizations in Lee County will be invited to a series of informational meetings with the leadership of both Foundations to learn more about application deadlines, timetables, and available funding opportunities.

About the Keokuk Area Community Foundation Established in 2004, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation receives charitable gifts and
grants from individuals, families, businesses, and corporations to establish permanent endowments for the benefit of our communities. Together with its affiliate, the North Lee Community Foundation, which was established in 2005, the two foundations work to build stronger communities and enable nonprofit organizations to fulfill their missions.

To learn more about the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, visit www.keokukfoundation.org. To learn more about the North Lee Community Foundation, visit www.northleecf.org.

Debra “Deb” K. Mueller

Debra “Deb” K. Mueller, 70, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at her home. 

A celebration of Deb’s life will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant.

 Friends may call after 2 p.m on Sunday at the Murphy Funeral Home where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening.  

  

 Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

 

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant is caring for her arrangements.

Becky Sue Calhoun

Becky Sue Calhoun, 69, of Mount Pleasant, died Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Becky was born May 8, 1956, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the daughter of Russell and Eleanor (Breuer) Rawlings. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1974. On April 7, 1979, Becky was united in marriage to Dale Calhoun at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant, where she remained a faithful member. She worked for Family Medicine of Mount Pleasant for many years, and later at the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility in human resources. Becky and Dale loved traveling together, making many cherished memories along the way. She loved searching for the best deals while shopping, and also enjoyed camping and tending to her garden. Above all, Becky’s greatest happiness came from spoiling her grandchildren and sharing time with her beloved family and friends.

Becky is survived by her husband Dale, daughter Christie (Kurtis Baumgartner) Calhoun of Princeton, Illinois, son Corey Calhoun of Mount Pleasant, two grandchildren, Addyson and Logan. Also surviving are four siblings, Bobbi (Dan) Bruggemeyer of Mount Pleasant, Scotti (Jeff) Nesbitt of Graham, North Carolina, Dell (Ken) Madole of North Liberty, Ron Rienschmidt of Burlington; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; six siblings, Tink Parrott, Art Rawlings, Gil Rienschmidt, Pat Stalder, Rosie Dopler, and Kay Farmer.

Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant. Rev. Court Fischer will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 25, at the Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory where the family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Proverbs 31:25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future”

Gas and Diesel Prices Continue to Fall in Iowa

Iowa drivers are seeing continued relief at the pump as fuel prices dropped again this week.

According to AAA, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa was $2.89 per gallon as of Wednesday. That marks a three-cent decrease from last week and a 31-cent drop compared to this time last year. Nationally, the average price for regular unleaded was $3.13, also down three cents from last week.

Diesel prices in Iowa followed a similar trend. Retail diesel fell by five cents this week to an average of $3.51 per gallon. A year ago, diesel in Iowa averaged $3.52. Iowa’s diesel prices remain below the national average of $3.70 by 19 cents.

Wholesale fuel costs also reflected current market conditions. On Wednesday, Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices were reported at $1.97 for U87-E10, $2.26 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.37 for ULSD#2, $2.68 for ULSD#1, and $1.91 per gallon for E-70.

Sports, August 21st

High School Girls’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Keokuk tonight.

Fairfield will stay on the road to compete against Burlington tonight.

High School Volleyball

Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to West Liberty tomorrow, August 22nd, for a scrimmage.

The season will officially get underway on Monday, August 25th, around the state of Iowa and WACO will ring in the new season by hosting a tournament with Columbus, Van Buren County, and Burlington Notre Dame making the trip.

High School Cross Country

Columbus will be holding a Run-A-Thon fundraiser at the Columbus Community High School Track tonight from 4 to 6 pm to raise money for new uniforms and warmups. If you would like to donate, then find a member of the Columbus cross country team. 

Meet the Players Night

Winfield-Mt. Union will hold their Meet the Players tonight at 6:30 pm located at the Winfield-Mt. Union track. There will be a free will donation dinner starting at 5:50 pm.

Danville will host their Meet the Players tomorrow, August 22nd, with the volleyball and football teams scrimmaging against Mt. Pleasant at 7 pm. 

High School Football

WACO will hold an intrasquad scrimmage tomorrow at home at 7 pm. 

Wapello will hold a sports drink scrimmage tomorrow at home at 5:30 pm. The cost of admission is a bottle of sports drink for the team to use throughout the season.

Columbus will travel to Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow at 6 pm for a scrimmage.

Van Buren County will host a scrimmage against Albia tomorrow with the JV starting at 5:15 pm. The cost of admission will be a Gatorade.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Mt. Pleasant was our school of focus for last night’s episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook as they celebrated their “Meet the Panthers” night on Tuesday, introducing the fall sports teams to the community. 

To get ready for the season, we were able to talk to head football coach John Bowlin, head girls’ tennis coach Martha Peterson, and girls’ and boys’ head cross country coaches Lyle Murray and Mitch Anderson, respectively.

With only one player returning with varsity experience to the tennis courts, but a new ensemble of eager competitors, coach Peterson has been encouraged by the motivated practices,

“Yeah. I mean, I think there’s something to be said for some unknowns. You know, when everybody can look around and go, oh, it’s pretty obvious who our top six are. I think it does sort of sap the motivation out of some, but I think they all know that these are spots to be fought for. We’re trying to do our challenge matches which is where we get to see that head-to-head competition between any two certain girls. We’re trying to do as much of that outside of practice time as possible because our time really is so limited and so valuable when we step out on the court as a team. But there’s no question that with a lot of girls that are more evenly matched, I think that it’s translating into them being much more motivated to show where they think they deserve to be on the team.”

If you missed last night’s episode, then follow this link: Mt. Pleasant Episode

Southeastern Community College

The women’s soccer team will kick off the year today against Black Hawk College on the road. 

The volleyball team will get the season started with the Opening Weekend Tournament tomorrow, August 22nd, with their first opponent being Schoolcraft College. 

The men’s soccer team will square off against Oakton Community College tomorrow at home.

College Football

#22 Iowa State will start the season in Ireland on Saturday, August 23rd, with a showdown against #17 Kansas State at 11 am. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call with the pregame show at 9 am.

Iowa’s Logan Jones was named a USA Today Preseason Second Team All-American yesterday. The senior earned First Team All-Big Ten and honorable mention All-America last year as an anchor to an offensive line that helped the Hawkeyes rush for 2,564 yards. Iowa will host UAlbany on August 30th at 5 pm to kickoff the season.

This Day in Sports History

1931 – Yankees slugger Babe Ruth becomes the first MLB player to hit 600 career home runs as New York defeats the St. Louis Browns, 11-7 at Sportsman’s Park.

1967 – MLB Kansas City Athletics utility player Ken Harrelson becomes one of baseball’s first free agents when he is abruptly released by the team, after he reputedly refers to team owner Charlie Finley as “a menace to baseball.”

1982 – Milwaukee Brewers’ relief pitcher Rollie Fingers becomes the first pitcher in MLB history to get save #300.

Monmouth College Pipe Band Returns to Midwest Old Threshers

To celebrate 75 Years of Midwest Old Threshers Reunions, , the “Fighting Scots” Bagpipe Band of Monmouth College (Monmouth, IL) will return to perform in the Family Tent on Sunday, August 31st at 3PM.

A resounding success last year in their MOT debut performance, the band was eagerly asked to return this year. The concert will feature traditional Irish and Scottish Bagpipe music, along with demonstrations of bagpipes workings, drumming techniques and the unique backgrounds of each of the musicians.

The band is led by Mt. Pleasant Community High School (’15) and Monmouth College (‘19) graduate Aaron Kimzey.

If you missed last year’s performance, you will definitely want to make it a part of your Midwest Old Threshers experience this year.